To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the Government of Sudan to provide clearance for UN-AM Mission in Darfur airlift operations following its agreement on 26 September 2008; and what discussions the Special Envoy to Sudan has had with the government of Sudan on this matter. (242833)

As part of a tripartite agreement reached on 7 October with the UN and the African Union, the Government of Sudan undertook to provide clearance for airlift operations for the UN/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). This clearance has subsequently been granted. We expect airlift of cargo into Darfur to begin shortly.

We have underlined the importance of implementation of the tripartite agreement with the Government of Sudan, including through the UK Special Representative for Sudan, as well as in the UN Security Council, and will continue to monitor progress.